Daniel Farke will now be getting his Leeds United side ready for the play-offs this weekend.
A dire run of form at the end of the season which saw Leeds pick up just eight points from as many matches meant they were beaten to a top two place by Leicester City and Ipswich Town.
However, Leeds cannot afford to be disappointed for too long as they get a second bite of the cherry with a two-legged tie against Farke’s old club Norwich City.
Leeds fans are not overly confident of their side’s chances heading into the play-offs, but it is now up to Farke to get his side back playing how they were prior to the international break.
Particularly in attack, Leeds have arguably the best individual quality of the four teams in the play-offs and Farke needs to find a way to get the best out of them.
Farke admits Georginio Rutter is struggling for confidence right now
It is normal that at some stage of a gruelling 46+ game season confidence levels will take a dip. Unfortunately for Leeds, it has arrived at the worst possible time for too many players.
Joel Piroe had clearly been struggling up until he found the net on Saturday, while Illan Meslier has also looked very shaky.
The concession of nine goals in the last three matches would indicate Leeds’ defence is also not performing at the level it once was.
But the most obvious decline in performance lately has been Georginio Rutter. The 22-year-old is without a goal or assist in eight matches, but it is general play which has been most alarming.
Speaking in his post-match press conference on Saturday, Farke admitted that Rutter’s confidence levels have taken a hit but is determined to help him get back to his best.
He said: “Your observation is right. Important to give him the sign he should not be too angry or disappointed because who should be blamed for this. Outstanding this season. Team of the Season. Creativity and one of our key parts.
“Fate that injury and surgery was there. Wanted to come back ASAP. Forced into the games and he is an emotional player. Confidence player who feels it. Quite normal his first games were not his best with no training and this hurt his confidence. You cannot be blamed for this. It’s coming back.
“First full season here. Difficult to adapt to this situation. Gave him the chance to find his rhythm. Good on the training field. Have to work with him because we need him back to his best, but sadly he needed the surgery.”
It could be time for Farke to drop Rutter
As mentioned, Rutter has been one of the keys to Leeds’ successful season but he is just not doing what he once was.
On Saturday, he attempted just one dribble during the 62 minutes he was on the pitch, which he failed to complete. Given he averages almost three a game over the season, that is a clear sign he’s struggling.
It is now also eight matches since he last created a ‘big chance’. Only Leicester’s Abdul Fatawu has more than him in the Championship this season, which is yet another big indicator he is a long way from his best.
With that in mind, it is clear the ‘brilliant’ Rutter is not offering what he should be to the team and Leeds cannot afford to be carrying any passengers in the play-offs.
As hard as it may be, Farke may have to take the brutal decision of dropping him to the bench. Coming on against tired defences could actually be exactly what he needs to find his best again.